Heart are on a run of four games without defeat after picking up a point in the 1-1 draw at Perth on Saturday night.

But their match against Gold Coast is sandwiched between the gruelling flight back from the west and an upcoming derby against Melbourne Victory.

“Melbourne Heart are a good side but we’ve had a day extra rest than they’ve had and also the trip back from Perth is never an easy one, so hopefully that will benefit us,” said Bleiberg.

“Heart have a big derby coming up on Saturday night against Melbourne Victory and I’m sure they’ll all have one eye on that game too.

“Their fight for a top six place is more against Victory than it is against us and I wouldn’t like to be in the shoes of their coach with the week they have.

"First an away trip to Perth, then a tough game against Gold Coast United in midweek, followed by a big derby against Melbourne Victory on Saturday; that’s a big week.

“We have to go for it on Wednesday night. Our goal has always been to finish as high as possible on the ladder and we are still in a good position.

 “We’re coming off a good win and morale is high, especially as we have Shane Smeltz back with us. He was excellent on Friday and that win has restored a lot of confidence.”

German import Peter Perchtold has travelled with the squad to Melbourne in the hope that his work permit comes through in time for the kick-off. If not, he will make his debut in Saturday’s free entry match at Skilled Park against Newcastle Jets.

“It’s a bureaucratic matter and is out of our hands, so we just have to wait and see. Peter is with us in the hope that his visa comes through in time for the game, and if it does he will play,” Bleiberg said.

Last time the two teams met United put Heart to the sword with a comprehensive 3-0 win at Skilled Park. Gold Coast defender Dino Djulbic says the pressure is on the home side this time around and believes they will throw everything at United early on.

 “For them it’s a must-win game if they want to stay in the hunt for a top six spot and no doubt they’ll come out firing,” he said.

 “We need to win as well of course and we’re going there with the intention of collecting the points. With Shane back and helping Bruce Djite out, we know we can score goals.

"You could see on Friday that they gelled together straight away. They give us a potent strike force and they will cause problems for any team in this league.”

Gold Coast are sitting in fourth place and a win tonight will take them within two points of third-placed Adelaide United and second-placed Central Coast Mariners, who are locked on 43 points each.

However, Gold Coast still have a game in hand over Adelaide and have to play both them and the Mariners in the final ten days of the season, ensuring a tight run to the finish line.